U.S. patent application number 13/066609 was filed with the patent office on 2012-01-19 for single electric vehicle charger for electrically connecting to multiple electric vehicles simultaneously while automatically charging the multiple electric vehicles sequentially.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Prosser Group LLC. Invention is credited to Stephen M. Burchett, Ronald Prosser.
Application Number | 20120013298 13/066609 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45466440 |
Filed Date | 2012-01-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120013298 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Prosser; Ronald ; et
al. |
January 19, 2012 |
Single electric vehicle charger for electrically connecting to
multiple electric vehicles simultaneously while automatically
charging the multiple electric vehicles sequentially
Abstract
A single electric vehicle charger for electrically connecting to
multiple electric vehicles simultaneously while automatically
charging the multiple electric vehicles sequentially. The charger
includes an AC to DC rectifier, at least one ground fault circuit
interrupter, and at least two physical electrical disconnects. The
AC to DC rectifier electrically connects to an AC power source and
allows DC batteries of the multiple electric vehicles to be charged
from the AC power source. The at least one ground fault circuit
interrupter is in electrical communication with the AC to DC
rectifier and disconnects whenever current becomes unbalanced
between an energized conductor and a return neutral conductor. The
at least two physical electrical disconnects are in electrical
communication with the at least one ground fault circuit
interrupter and isolate the multiple electric vehicles that are
electrically connected but are not being charged, with only one
physical electrical disconnect being closed at any given
instant.
Inventors: |
Prosser; Ronald; (Brooklyn,
NY) ; Burchett; Stephen M.; (Brooklyn, NY) |
Assignee: |
The Prosser Group LLC
|
Family ID: |
45466440 |
Appl. No.: |
13/066609 |
Filed: |
April 19, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61399490 |
Jul 13, 2010 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
320/109 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60L 3/04 20130101; H02J
7/0071 20200101; Y04S 10/126 20130101; B60L 11/1844 20130101; B60L
53/14 20190201; Y02T 90/169 20130101; B60L 53/11 20190201; Y02T
90/16 20130101; B60L 3/0069 20130101; Y02E 60/00 20130101; Y02T
90/14 20130101; Y02T 90/12 20130101; B60L 53/65 20190201; Y02T
10/7072 20130101; Y02T 90/167 20130101; B60L 1/003 20130101; B60L
53/63 20190201; B60L 2210/30 20130101; Y04S 30/14 20130101; Y02T
10/72 20130101; Y02T 10/70 20130101; B60L 53/30 20190201 |
Class at
Publication: |
320/109 |
International
Class: |
H02J 7/00 20060101
H02J007/00 |
Claims
1. A single electric vehicle charger for electrically connecting to
multiple electric vehicles simultaneously while automatically
charging the multiple electric vehicles sequentially in order to
control electric consumption of the single electric vehicle charger
to avoid exceeding electric service limitations feeding the single
electric vehicle charger, comprising: a) an AC to DC rectifier; b)
at least one ground fault circuit interrupter; and c) at least two
physical electrical disconnects; wherein said AC to DC rectifier is
for electrically connecting to an AC power source; wherein said AC
to DC rectifier is for converting AC power to DC power so as to
allow DC batteries of the multiple electric vehicles to be charged
from the AC power source; wherein said at least one ground fault
circuit interrupter is in electrical communication with said AC to
DC rectifier; wherein said at least one ground fault circuit
interrupter is for disconnecting whenever current becomes
unbalanced between an energized conductor and a return neutral
conductor; wherein said at least two physical electrical
disconnects are in electrical communication with said at least one
ground fault circuit interrupter; and wherein said at least two
physical electrical disconnects are for isolating the multiple
electric vehicles that are electrically connected but are not being
charged, with only one physical electrical disconnect being closed
at any given instant so as to allow for the electrically connecting
to the multiple electric vehicles simultaneously while
automatically charging the multiple electric vehicles sequentially
in order to control the electric consumption of the single electric
vehicle charger to avoid exceeding, the electric service
limitations feeding said single electric vehicle charger.
2. The charger of claim 1, further comprising at least two male
electric vehicle connectors; and wherein said at least two male
electric vehicle connectors are for electrically engaging the
multiple electric vehicles, respectively, to thereby electrically
connect said single electric vehicle charger to the multiple
electric vehicles.
3. The charger of claim 2, further comprising a centralized order
and control algorithm; and wherein said centralized order and
control algorithm is for determining an order in which the multiple
electric vehicles are to be charged.
4. The charger of claim 3, wherein said at least one ground fault
circuit interrupter is at least two ground fault circuit
interrupters.
5. The charger of claim 4, wherein said at least two ground fault
circuit interrupters are electrically connected to said AC to DC
rectifier.
6. The charger of claim 5, wherein said at least two physical
electrical disconnects are electrically connected to said at least
two ground fault circuit interrupters, respectively, so as to also
be electrically connected to said AC to DC rectifier.
7. The charger of claim 6, wherein said at least two male electric
vehicle connectors are electrically connected to said at least two
physical electrical disconnects, respectively.
8. The charger of claim 7, wherein said at least two ground fault
circuit interrupters are electrically connected to, and between,
said AC to DC rectifier and said at least two physical electrical
disconnects, respectively.
9. The charger of claim 8, wherein said at least two physical
electrical disconnects are electrically connected to, and between,
said at least two ground fault circuit interrupters and said at
least two male electric vehicle connectors, respectively.
10. The charger of claim 3, wherein said at least two physical
electrical disconnects are electrically connected to, and between,
said AC to DC rectifier and said at least two ground fault circuit
interrupters, respectively.
11. The charger of claim 10, wherein said at least two male
electric vehicle connectors are electrically connected to said at
least two ground fault circuit interrupters, respectively; and
wherein said at least two male electric vehicle connectors are for
electrically engaging to said multiple electric vehicles,
respectively, to thereby electrically connect said single electric
vehicle charger to said multiple electric vehicles.
12. The charger of claim 11, wherein said at least two ground fault
circuit interrupters are electrically connected to, and between,
said at least two physical electrical disconnects and said at least
two male electric vehicle connectors, respectively.
13. The charger of claim 12, wherein said at least one ground fault
circuit interrupter is one ground fault circuit interrupter.
14. The charger of claim 13, wherein said one ground fault circuit
interrupter is electrically connected to said AC to DC rectifier
and to said at least two physical electrical disconnects.
15. The charger of claim 3, wherein said at least one ground fault
circuit interrupter is one ground fault circuit interrupter.
16. The charger of claim 15, wherein said one ground fault circuit
interrupter is electrically connected to said AC to DC rectifier
and to said at least two physical electrical disconnects.
17. The charger of claim 16, wherein said at least two physical
electrical disconnects are electrically connected to, and between,
said one ground fault circuit interrupter and said at least two
male electric vehicle connectors, respectively, so as to also be
electrically connected to said AC to DC rectifier.
18. The charger of claim 17, wherein said at least two male
electric vehicle connectors are electrically connected to said at
least two physical electrical disconnects, respectively; and
wherein said at least two male electric vehicle connectors are for
electrically engaging the multiple electric vehicles to thereby
electrically connect said single electric vehicle charger to the
multiple electric vehicles.
19. The charger of claim 3, wherein said one ground fault circuit
interrupter is for electrically connecting to the AC power
source.
20. The charger of claim 19, wherein said one ground fault circuit
interrupter is electrically connected to said AC to DC rectifier
and to said at least two physical electrical disconnects.
21. The charger of claim 20, wherein said at least two physical
electrical disconnects are electrically connected to, and between,
said AC to DC rectifier and said at least two male electric vehicle
connectors, respectively.
22. The charger of claim 21, wherein said at least two male
electric vehicle connectors are electrically connected to said at
least two physical electrical disconnects, respectively; and
wherein said at least two male electric vehicle connectors are for
electrically engaging the multiple electric vehicles to thereby
electrically connect said single electric vehicle charger to the
multiple electric vehicles.
Description
1. CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The instant non-provisional patent application claims
priority from provisional patent application No. 61/399,490, filed
on Jul. 13, 2010, for a CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE
CHARGING SYSTEMS, and incorporated herein by reference thereto.
2. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A. Field of the Invention
[0003] The embodiments of the present invention relate to an
electric vehicle charger, and more particularly, the embodiments of
the present invention relate to a single electric vehicle charger
for electrically connecting to multiple electric vehicles
simultaneously while automatically charging the multiple electric
vehicles sequentially.
[0004] B. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] The electric vehicle ("EV") charging industry is coming of
age. Currently, there are level 1, 2, and 3 EV chargers that supply
a charge at slow, moderate, and quick rates, respectively.
Regardless of the level, however, a single charger can only be
electrically connected to, and supply charge to, a single EV at a
time.
[0006] There are several venues where the installation and
operation of electric vehicle service equipment ("EVSE") is
practical. One such location is a parking garage. In this case, EV
owners/operators drive to the garage, and charge their EVs while
they are parked in the garage.
[0007] As more and more EVs hit the road, more parking garage
customers will be driving EVs. Hence, the demand for EVSE in
parking garages will increase. In order to successfully charge
multiple EVs with a single charger, a parking garage attendant will
be needed to orchestrate the process. This person will be
responsible for moving the first EV to be charged into the EVSE
parking spot, connecting the EV charger to the EV, and activating
the charger. Once charging is complete, the attendant will
disconnect the EV charger and the EV, move the first EV to a
different parking spot, move the second EV to be charged into the
EVSE parking spot, and begin the process again.
[0008] There is only one alternative to this scenario currently
available. Purchasing and installing additional EV chargers will
allow customers to self-park and connect their EVs and the EV
chargers themselves. Thus, the need for an attendant to shuffle
multiple cars through a single charger could be eliminated, and
operational costs could be reduced. The cost of additional chargers
and installation costs, however, may not be economically feasible.
In addition to the cost of multiple chargers, the costs of running
multiple conduit and wiring from the electrical panel box to the
chargers can add significant cost to installations. Furthermore, if
the service to the panel and/or the panel'box requires greater
electrical capacity, the cost increases dramatically.
[0009] Numerous innovations for electric charging devices have been
provided in the prior art, which will be described below in
chronological order to show advancement in the art, and which are
incorporated herein by reference thereto. Even though these
innovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to
which they address, nevertheless, they differ from the embodiments
of the present invention in that they do not teach a single
electric vehicle charger for electrically connecting to multiple
electric vehicles simultaneously while automatically charging the
multiple electric vehicles sequentially.
(1) U.S. Pat. No. 5,323,099 to Bruni et al.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,323,099--issued to Bruni et al. on Jun. 21,
1994 in U.S. class 320 and subclass 108--teaches a curb-side
battery charging system that provides a mechanism for transferring
electrical power to an electric vehicle to recharge its battery.
The battery charging system includes a housing that is disposed on
a wall, or is slidably attached to a track mounted to a ceiling,
for example. A retractable charging device is coupled to a power
supply, and mates with a receptacle device disposed in the vehicle.
A variety of charging devices can be employed in the battery
charging system. Electronic circuitry controls power supplied to
the vehicle from the power supply of the charging system. In
addition, an interface circuit allows a user to enter a code to use
the system, and which provides an identification for billing
purposes, or a credit card type key that activates the system and
performs the same functions. A fan is provided for cooling purposes
that causes an air flow through the system. The battery charging
system allows an electric vehicle to be charged without any type of
conventional electrical plug. The battery charging system provides
a mechanism for coupling power from a power source to an electric
vehicle to recharge its battery.
(2) U.S. Pat. No. 5,548,200 to Nor et al.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,548,200--issued to Nor et al. on Aug. 20,
1996 in U.S. class 320 and subclass 109--teaches a method and
apparatus for charging the battery of an electric vehicle. When the
electric vehicle is connected to a charging station, it is
interrogated to determine the nature of the charge controller that
is onboard the vehicle. Logic decisions invoking the particular
mode for charging the vehicle are made depending on the nature and
type of charge controller that is onboard the vehicle. Thus,
delivery of charging energy to the battery in the vehicle may be
entirely under the control of a charge controller onboard the
vehicle, or if the control module in the vehicle is less
sophisticated, then delivery of charging energy will be under the
control of a charging module within the charging station.
Parameters of initial charging current and voltage are therefore
set either by the onboard battery charging controller or the charge
controller in the charging station. Alternatively, these parameters
may be set manually or by insertion of a card into a data interface
to establish initial charging conditions. Under controlled
conditions, a plurality of vehicles may be charged at a single
establishment having a plurality of charging stations, either
sequentially or simultaneously, depending on the criteria to be
established. The charging station may be privately owned so as to
charge a fleet of vehicles, or there may be a plurality of charging
stations at a publicly accessible service station.
(3) U.S. Pat. No. 5,780,991 to Brake et al.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,780,991--issued to Brake et al. on Jul. 14,
1998 in U.S. class 320 and subclass 112--teaches a charging
apparatus with multiple charge stations. The apparatus includes a
single power supply that operates under the control of a
microprocessor to charge a plurality of battery packs disposed in
respective charging stations. Associated with each charging station
is a wiring harness assembly that includes an EEPROM memory chip
having one or more stored charging algorithms for the type or types
of battery packs to be charged at that charging station. The
microprocessor reads the charging algorithm from a charging
station's memory chip when a battery pack is inserted in the
charging station. The microprocessor utilizes a feedback control
loop including a resistor network to regulate the charging current
and charging voltage supplied to each battery pack being charged.
If a plurality of Li-Ion battery packs are disposed in respective
charging stations, each pack is sequentially charged so that the
voltage across the pack is raised to the rated output voltage of
the pack. Then, all of the Li-Ion battery packs are charged in
parallel until each is fully charged. The parallel charging reduces
total charging time.
(4) U.S. Pat. No. 5,803,215 to Henze et al.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,803,215--issued to Henze et al. on Sep. 8,
1998 in U.S. class 191 and subclass 2--teaches a method and
apparatus for charging batteries of a plurality of vehicles, which
includes a power source converter connectable to a power source to
receive electrical power, and for converting the electrical power
to a selected voltage potential that is distributed on a
distribution bus. A plurality of vehicle connecting stations are
connected to the distribution bus. Each vehicle connecting station
includes a station power converter for receiving electrical power
from the power source converter for charging the battery, and a
station controller to control electrical power flow to the vehicle
battery.
(5) U.S. Pat. No. 5,847,537 to Parmley, Sr.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 5,847,537--issued to Parmley, Sr. on Dec. 8,
1998 in U.S. class 320 and subclass 109--teaches a charging station
system of electric vehicles, which includes a building containing
charging equipment, and may provide other auxiliary services. The
system includes a T-bar extending from the building to provide
charging stalls or locations spaced along the T-bar. The building
is modular, and incorporates a standard ISO type configuration.
(6) U.S. Pat. No. 6,081,205 to Williams.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 6,081,205--issued to Williams on Jun. 27, 2000
in U.S. class 340 and subclass 932.2--teaches an electric vehicle
recharging parking meter that includes a parking meter, a
processor, a display interconnected to the processor for giving
visual information to a user, and an input device interconnected to
the processor. The input device enables the user to select the
parking time and/or the recharging time for the electric vehicle.
The processor is responsive to the user selection of recharge time,
parking time, and recharge power requirements entered on the input
device. A payment receptor for receiving payment for the parking
and recharge time selected by the user is interconnected to the
processor for indicating receipt of payment for parking time and
recharge electricity. The processor enables a switch to close so
that power is supplied to the vehicle from a power source. A
connector is attached to a post or stand on which the meter is
mounted, whereby the electric vehicle is interconnected to the
power source. A power controller, operable in response to signals
from the processor, is interconnected between the power source and
the connector.
(7) U.S. Pat. No. 6,338,450 to Schwendinger.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 6,338,450--issued to Schwendinger on Jan. 15,
2002 in U.S. class 242 and subclass 388.9--teaches a cable manager
having a support member and a bracket that mounts the support
member to a ceiling joist of a golf cart shed. A first pulley wheel
attaches to the top end of the support member, and a second pulley
wheel attaches to a pulley mounting bracket. A coil spring
entrained about the first pulley wheel has one end attached to the
pulley mounting bracket and the other end attached to the bottom
end of the support member. The second pulley wheel is suspended at
a lower elevation than the first pulley wheel, and moves down
against the force of the spring when the power cable entrained over
it is pulled down to connect to a golf cart for recharging. While
recharging occurs, the lower pulley is fixed to the support member
by attaching its bracket to an S-hook that attaches the spring to
the vertical support member. When the power cable is released, the
pulley moves up, but its upward travel is limited by a cable
bracket that captures the power cable and holds it in position for
easy retrieval for the next use. The cable manager is suspended
from the ceiling, above the tops of the golf carts, leaving the
area floor free of obstructions for the golf cart.
(8) United States Patent Application Publication Number
2008/0218121 to Gale et al.
[0017] United States Patent Application Publication Number
2008/0218121--published to Gale et al. on Sep. 11, 2008 in U.S.
class 320 and subclass 109--teaches a method for charging an
electric storage battery in a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle
through a power supply circuit, which includes coupling the charger
to the circuit, determining whether another appliance in the
circuit other than the charger is drawing current, determining a
maximum charge rate at which the battery can be charged using the
charger, charging the battery at the maximum charge rate if no
other appliance in the circuit is drawing current, and charging the
battery at less than the maximum charge rate if another appliance
in the circuit is drawing current.
[0018] It is apparent that numerous innovations for electric
charging devices have been provided in the prior art, which are
adapted to be used. Furthermore, even though these innovations may
be suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they
address, nevertheless, they would not be suitable for the purposes
of the present invention as heretofore described, namely, a single
electric vehicle charger for electrically, connecting to multiple
electric vehicles simultaneously while automatically charging the
multiple electric vehicles sequentially.
3. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] Thus, an object of the embodiments of the present invention
is to provide a single electric vehicle charger for electrically
connecting to multiple electric vehicles simultaneously while
automatically charging the multiple electric vehicles sequentially
in order to control electric consumption of the single electric
vehicle charger to avoid exceeding electric service limitations
feeding the single electric vehicle charger, which avoids the
disadvantages of the prior art.
[0020] Thus, there exists a need for a smart system that enables
one charger to sequentially charge multiple EVs in an automated
manner. The charger would have multiple EVSE hoses and connectors
capable of being simultaneously hooked up to several EVs. The smart
system would insure that only one EV connector is energized at a
time. In this way, multiple EVs would be parked and hooked up to an
EVSE connector, and the EV operators can leave their EVs so they
can be charged up at the appropriate time. By charging only one EV
at a time, the EVSE's electric consumption would be controlled to
avoid exceeding any electric service limitations, and the ratio of
EVs charged per day to the number of EV chargers installed would
improve resulting in better overall EVSE efficiency. By allowing
for a single charger to connect to multiple EVs at once, while only
charging one EV at a time, the cost of purchasing additional
chargers is avoided, the cost of providing additional charging
infrastructure is minimized, and a need for a parking garage
attendant can at least be significantly reduced and in many cases
eliminated. A switching mechanism allows the smart system to
isolate all but one of the electrically connected EVs. Once the
charging is complete for one EV, that EV is electrically isolated
and the next EV to be charged is electrically connected. An
electro/mechanical disconnect switch on each EV connection line
electrically connects or isolates each EV from the EV charger to
safely and reliably direct electrical output of the single electric
vehicle charger into one of several electrically connected electric
vehicles.
[0021] Briefly stated, another object of the embodiments of the
present invention is to provide a single electric vehicle charger
for electrically connecting to multiple electric vehicles
simultaneously while automatically charging the multiple electric
vehicles sequentially. The charger includes an AC to DC rectifier,
at least one ground fault circuit interrupter, and at least two
physical electrical disconnects. The AC to DC rectifier
electrically connects to an AC power source and converts AC power
to DC power so as to allow DC batteries of the multiple electric
vehicles to be charged from the AC power source. The at least one
ground fault circuit interrupter is in electrical communication
with the AC to DC rectifier and disconnects whenever current
becomes unbalanced between an energized conductor and a return
neutral conductor. The at least two physical electrical disconnects
are in electrical communication with the at least one ground fault
circuit interrupter and isolate the multiple electric vehicles that
are electrically connected but are not being charged, with only one
physical electrical disconnect being closed at any given instant so
as to allow for the electrically connecting to the multiple
electric vehicles simultaneously while automatically charging the
multiple electric vehicles sequentially.
[0022] The novel features considered characteristic of the
embodiments of the present invention are set forth in the appended
claims. The embodiments of the present invention themselves,
however, both as to their construction and to their method of
operation together with additional objects and advantages thereof
will be best understood from the following description of specific
embodiments of the present invention when read and understood in
connection with the accompanying figures of the drawing.
4. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES OF THE DRAWING
[0023] The figures of the drawing are briefly described as
follows:
[0024] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic schematic/block diagram of a first
embodiment of the single electric vehicle charger of the
embodiments of the present invention electrically connecting to
multiple electric vehicles simultaneously while automatically
charging the multiple electric vehicles sequentially;
[0025] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic schematic/block diagram of a second
embodiment of the single electric vehicle charger of the
embodiments of the present invention electrically connecting to
multiple electric vehicles simultaneously while automatically
charging the multiple electric vehicles sequentially;
[0026] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic schematic/block diagram of a third
embodiment of the single electric vehicle charger of the
embodiments of the present invention electrically connecting to
multiple electric vehicles simultaneously while automatically
charging the multiple electric vehicles sequentially; and
[0027] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic schematic/block diagram of a fourth
embodiment of the single electric vehicle charger of the
embodiments of the present invention electrically connecting to
multiple electric vehicles simultaneously while automatically
charging the multiple electric vehicles sequentially.
5. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS UTILIZED IN THE FIGURES OF THE
DRAWING
A. General.
[0028] 10 single electric vehicle charger of embodiments of present
invention for electrically connecting to multiple electric vehicles
12 simultaneously while automatically charging multiple electric
vehicles 12 sequentially [0029] 12 multiple electric vehicles
B. Configuration of First Embodiment of Single Electric Vehicle
Charger 10.
[0029] [0030] 14 AC to DC rectifier for electrically connecting to
AC power source 20 and converting AC power to DC power so as to
allow DC batteries of multiple electric vehicles 12 to be charged
from AC power source 20 [0031] 16 at least one ground fault circuit
interrupter for disconnecting whenever current becomes unbalanced
between energized conductor and return neutral conductor [0032] 18
at least two physical electrical disconnects for isolating multiple
electric vehicles 12 that are electrically connected, but are not
being charged, with only one physical electrical disconnect 18
being closed at any given instant so as to allow for electrically
connecting to multiple electric vehicles 12 simultaneously while
automatically charging multiple electric vehicles 12 sequentially
[0033] 20 AC power source [0034] 22 at least two male electric
vehicle connectors for engaging in multiple electric vehicles 12,
respectively, to thereby connect single electric vehicle charger 10
to multiple electric vehicles 12
C. Configuration of Second Embodiment of Single Electric Vehicle
Charger 50.
[0034] [0035] 50 single electric vehicle charger
D. Configuration of Third Embodiment of Single Electric Vehicle
Charger 100.
[0035] [0036] 100 single electric vehicle charger
E. Configuration of Fourth Embodiment of Single Electric Vehicle
Charger 150.
[0036] [0037] 150 single electric vehicle charger
6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
A. General.
[0038] Referring now to the figures, in which like numerals
indicate like parts, and particularly to FIG. 1, which is a
diagrammatic schematic/block diagram of a first embodiment of the
single electric vehicle charger of the embodiments of the present
invention electrically connecting to multiple electric vehicles
simultaneously while automatically charging the multiple electric
vehicles sequentially, a first embodiment of the single electric
vehicle charger of the embodiments of the present invention is
shown generally at 10 for electrically connecting to multiple
electric vehicles 12 simultaneously while automatically charging
the multiple electric vehicles 12 sequentially.
[0039] It is to be understood that there is no theoretical limit on
the number of EVs that can potentially be connected at the same
time to the single electric vehicle charger 10. The minimum number
of EV connections, however, is 2.
[0040] The advantage of the single electric vehicle charger 10 is
that it is a less expensive way to increase the number of the
multiple electric vehicles 12 that can be charged in a given amount
of time when compared to the cost of purchasing and installing
additional single-service electric vehicle chargers. By using a
common charger, with multiple connections, the cost of redundant
components used in a multiple single source charger system is
avoided.
[0041] Another significant advantage of the single electric vehicle
charger 10 is an overall improvement in EVSE operational
efficiency. This is accomplished by greatly reducing EVSE downtime,
i.e., the time that elapses between charges. Physically relocating
and reconnecting the multiple electric vehicles 12 is replaced with
electrical switching. Hence, the time between charges will be
drastically reduced. Therefore, the single electric vehicle charger
10 allows for charging more of the multiple electric vehicles 12
per day than by using a single charger. When compared to a system
with multiple single chargers, the single electric vehicle charger
10 charges more of the multiple electric vehicles 12 per EV charger
per day.
B. Configuration of the First Embodiment of the Single Electric
Vehicle Charger 10.
[0042] The single electric vehicle charger 10 comprises an AC to DC
rectifier 14, at least one ground fault circuit interrupter 16, and
at least two physical electrical disconnects 18. The AC to DC
rectifier 14 is for electrically connecting to an AC power source
20 and converting AC power to DC power so as to allow DC batteries
of the multiple electric vehicles 12 to be charged from the AC
power source 20. The at least one ground fault circuit interrupter
16 is in electrical communication with the AC to DC rectifier 14
and is for disconnecting whenever current becomes unbalanced
between an energized conductor and a return neutral conductor. The
at least two physical electrical disconnects 18 are in electrical
communication with the at least one ground fault circuit
interrupter 16 and are for isolating the multiple electric vehicles
12 that are electrically connected but are not being charged, with
only one physical electrical disconnect 18 being closed at any
given instant so as to allow for the electrically connecting to the
multiple electric vehicles 12 simultaneously while automatically
charging the multiple electric vehicles 12 sequentially.
[0043] The single electric vehicle charger 10 further comprises a
centralized order and control algorithm. The centralized order and
control algorithm is for determining an order in which the multiple
electric vehicles 12 are to be charged, can be different for each
location, and will be determined using specific factors, such as,
for example, first in-first charged, elite members or frequent
customers connected first, short parking duration customers charged
first, etc.
[0044] The at least one ground fault circuit interrupter 16 is at
least two ground fault circuit interrupters 16. The at least two
ground fault circuit interrupters 16 are electrically connected to
the AC to DC rectifier 14.
[0045] The at least two physical electrical disconnects 18 are
electrically connected to the at least two ground fault circuit
interrupters 16, respectively, so as to also be electrically
connected to the AC to DC rectifier 14.
[0046] The single electric vehicle charger 10 further comprises at
least two male electric vehicle connectors 22. The at least two
male electric vehicle connectors 22 are electrically connected to
the at least two physical electrical disconnects 18, respectively,
and are for electrically engaging the multiple electric vehicles 12
to thereby electrically connect the single electric vehicle charger
10 to the multiple electric vehicles 12.
[0047] The at least two ground fault circuit interrupters 16 are
electrically connected to, and between, the AC to DC rectifier 14
and the at least two physical electrical disconnects 18.
[0048] The at least two physical electrical disconnects 18 are
electrically connected to, and between, the at least two ground
fault circuit interrupters 16 and the at least two male electric
vehicle connectors 22, respectively.
C. Configuration of the Second Embodiment of the Single Electric
Vehicle Charger 50.
[0049] The configuration of the second embodiment of the single
electric vehicle charger 50 can best be seen in FIG. 2, which is a
diagrammatic schematic/block diagram of a second embodiment of the
single electric vehicle charger of the embodiments of the present
invention electrically connecting to multiple electric vehicles
simultaneously while automatically charging the multiple electric
vehicles sequentially, and as such, will be discussed with
reference thereto.
[0050] The single electric vehicle charger 50 is similar to the
single electric vehicle charger 10, except that the at least two
ground fault circuit interrupters 16 and the at least two physical
electrical disconnects 18 are interchanged with each other,
respectively, so that: [0051] The at least two physical electrical
disconnects 18 are electrically connected to, and between, the AC
to DC rectifier 14 and the at least two ground fault circuit
interrupters 16; [0052] The at least two male electric vehicle
connectors 22 are electrically connected to the at least two ground
fault circuit interrupters 16, respectively; and [0053] The at
least two ground fault circuit interrupters 16 are electrically
connected to, and between, the at least two physical electrical
disconnects 18 and the at least two male electric vehicle
connectors 22, respectively.
D. Configuration of the Third Embodiment of the Single Electric
Vehicle Charger 100.
[0054] The configuration of the third embodiment of the single
electric vehicle charger 100 can best be seen in FIG. 3, which is a
diagrammatic schematic/block diagram of a third embodiment of the
single electric vehicle charger of the embodiments of the present
invention electrically connecting to multiple electric vehicles
simultaneously while automatically charging the multiple electric
vehicles sequentially, and as such, will be discussed with
reference thereto.
[0055] The at least one ground fault circuit interrupter 16 is one
ground fault circuit interrupter 16. The one ground fault circuit
interrupter 16 is electrically connected to the AC to DC rectifier
14 and to the at least two physical electrical disconnects 18.
[0056] The at least two physical electrical disconnects 18 are
electrically connected to, and between, the one ground fault
circuit interrupter 16 and the at least two male electric vehicle
connectors 22 so as to also be electrically connected to the AC to
DC rectifier 14.
[0057] The at least two male electric vehicle connectors 22 are
electrically connected to the at least two physical electrical
disconnects 18, respectively.
E. Configuration of the Fourth Embodiment of the Single Electric
Vehicle Charger 150.
[0058] The configuration of the fourth embodiment of the single
electric vehicle charger 150 can best be seen in FIG. 4, which is a
diagrammatic schematic/block diagram of a fourth embodiment of the
single electric vehicle charger of the embodiments of the present
invention electrically connecting to multiple electric vehicles
simultaneously while automatically charging the multiple electric
vehicles sequentially, and as such, will be discussed with
reference thereto.
[0059] The single electric vehicle charger 150 is similar to the
single electric vehicle charger 100, except that the AC to DC
rectifier 14 and the one ground fault circuit interrupter 16 are
interchanged with each other so that: [0060] The one ground fault
circuit interrupter 16 is for electrically connecting to the AC
power source 20; [0061] The one ground fault circuit interrupter 16
is electrically connected to the AC to DC rectifier 14 and to the
at least two physical electrical disconnects 18; [0062] The at
least two physical electrical disconnects 18 are electrically
connected to, and between, the AC to DC rectifier 14 and the at
least two male electric vehicle connectors 22, respectively; and
[0063] The at least two male electric vehicle connectors 22 are
electrically connected to the at least two physical electrical
disconnects 18, respectively.
F. Impressions.
[0064] It will be understood that each of the elements described
above or two or more together may also find a useful application in
other types of constructions differing from the types described
above.
[0065] While the embodiments of the present invention have been
illustrated and described as embodied in a single electric vehicle
charger for electrically connecting to multiple electric vehicles
simultaneously while automatically charging the multiple electric
vehicles sequentially, nevertheless, they are not limited to the
details shown, since it will be understood that various omissions,
modifications, substitutions, and changes in the forms and details
of the embodiments of the present invention illustrated and their
operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing
in any way from the spirit of the embodiments of the present
invention.
[0066] Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal
the gist of the embodiments of the present invention that others
can by applying current knowledge readily adapt them for various
applications without omitting features that from the standpoint of
prior art fairly constitute characteristics of the generic or
specific aspects of the embodiments of the present invention.
* * * * *